Today in the Outer Banks, expect partly sunny skies with cooler temperatures. Winds will be gusting, so it's advisable to secure any loose outdoor items and exercise caution if you're venturing outside.

The high will reach 55°F (13°C), with a low of 36°F (2°C). The Atlantic Ocean's water temperature is approximately 51°F (10.8°C), making it quite chilly for swimming but suitable for a brisk beach walk. No special weather statements are currently in effect.

Anticipating Groundhog Day and Beach Walks

As Groundhog Day approaches on February 2, many look forward to the possibility of an early spring. Traditionally, if the groundhog sees its shadow, it predicts six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is anticipated.

Regardless of the outcome, the Outer Banks offers serene beach walks year-round. The winter months provide a peaceful atmosphere, with fewer crowds and the tranquil sound of waves, making it an ideal time to enjoy the natural beauty of our coastline.

National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: Create Your Own Sundae Bar

Today is National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, a delightful excuse to indulge in a sweet morning treat. Creating your own at-home sundae bar can be a fun activity for all ages. Here's how to set it up:

1. Ice Cream Selection: Choose a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes.

2. Toppings Galore: Offer an array of toppings such as fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, whipped cream, and syrups.

3. Bases: Include options like waffles, pancakes, or crepes to serve as the foundation of your sundae.

4. Serving Dishes: Use bowls, mugs, or even waffle cones for a creative touch.

5. Extras: Consider adding fun elements like edible glitter or marshmallows to enhance the experience.

If preparing an at-home sundae bar isn't feasible, the Outer Banks boasts several popular ice cream shops:

• Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream: With locations in Kitty Hawk, Manteo, Corolla, Duck, and Kill Devil Hills, Big Buck's offers a wide variety of flavors made on-site.

• Scoops Ice Cream Parlor: Located in Corolla, Scoops is known for its generous portions and friendly service.

• Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt: Situated in Nags Head, Sweet Frog provides a self-serve experience with numerous flavors and toppings.

• The Spot: Found in Nags Head, The Spot offers both ice cream and smoothie options, making it a versatile choice.

• Surfin' Spoon: Also in Nags Head, this frozen yogurt bar is a local favorite, known for its beachy vibe and delicious offerings.

These establishments provide excellent options to celebrate the day, whether you're craving a classic cone or a more elaborate creation.

National Dark Chocolate Day: Indulge Locally

In honor of National Dark Chocolate Day, consider visiting some of the Outer Banks' local chocolate and candy stores:

• The Chocolate Barn: Located in Kill Devil Hills, this shop offers a variety of handmade chocolates, including rich dark chocolate selections.

• Forbes Candies: With a location in Nags Head, Forbes is known for its saltwater taffy and an assortment of chocolates.

• The Fudgery: Found in Nags Head, The Fudgery provides a range of fudge flavors, with dark chocolate being a standout.

• Candy & Corks: Situated in Duck, this store offers a unique combination of candies and wines, perfect for pairing with dark chocolate.

• Try My Nuts: With locations in Corolla and Duck, this shop features a variety of nuts and chocolates, including dark chocolate-covered treats.

Indulging in dark chocolate not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers health benefits, as it's rich in antioxidants and may improve heart health.

🍽️ Restaurant Specials & Menus

🍳 Breakfast

Kat's Deli (Hatteras)

• "Toast of the Town": Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Panini

• "Mind Your Own Biscuits": Jalapeño cheddar biscuit breakfast Phone: 252-986-2000

🥗 Lunch

Blue Moon Beach Grill

• Soup: Wild Mushroom Bisque

• Starters:

  • Rockfish Ceviche & Nordic Salmon Combo

  • Fried Green Tomato & Burrata

  • Buffalo Tuna Bites

• Salad: Blackened Shrimp

• Entrees:

  • Mahi Po'Boy

  • Grilled Swordfish & Grits

  • Blackened Rockfish Tostada

• Blue Plate Special: Chicken Livers

Kill Devil Grill

• Soup: Roadhouse Chili ($5)

• Grilled Tuna or Rockfish with grits ($19)

• Fried Flounder Sandwich ($17)

• BBQ Chicken Salad ($17)

South of KDG

• Chicken Tortilla Soup (Cup $5 / Bowl $10)

• Blackened Salmon with jasmine rice ($22)

• Southwest Rockfish Tacos ($18)

• Fried Flounder Sandwich ($17)

• Chimi Cheesesteak ($17)

🌙 All Day

Mulligan's Grille

• Tiki Bar open with heaters

• Brunch served 11 AM–2 PM

• Appetizer Special: Four Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic Cream Sauce ($14.99)

🏀 Gameday Specials - UNC vs. Duke

Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill

• Davis Dog: Footlong hotdog with baked beans, bacon, and onion ($10.99)

• "Our State" Sliders: Pulled pork, brisket, hot honey BBQ chicken ($13.99)

• Ankle Breaker Shrimp: Firecracker shrimp with sesame seeds ($12.99)

• Scheyer's Charcuterie Plate ($14.99)

• Loaded Potato Skins ($9.99)

• Special: 10% off when wearing UNC or Duke gear

🎭 Special Dining Events

Mardi Gras Celebration

Blue Moon Beach Grill – Food & Cocktail Pairing Dinner

• Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6 PM

• Price: $95/person

• Reservations: 252-261-BLUE Menu with Pairings:

• Creole Shrimp Gumbo with Death in the Afternoon

• Muffaletta Focaccia Pizza with Abita Purple Haze Lager

• Alligator Andouille Panzanella with Cajun Martini

• Puppy Drum Almondine with Gin Ramos

• Crispy Duck Breast Jambalaya with Sazerac

• Chocolate Beignets with King Cake Latte

Valentine's Weekend

Cafe Pamlico

• Reservations: 252-995-4500 or book online Menu Highlights:

• Soups & Salads: Truffled Lobster Bisque ($14), Quail & Arugula Salad ($19)

• Appetizers: Shuck Hatteras Oysters ($24), Stuffed Mushrooms Rockefeller ($18)

• Mains:

  • Filet Neptune ($72)

  • Lobster Tail ($58)

  • Bourbon Glazed Salmon ($46)

• Desserts ($12 each): Blood Orange Sorbet, Chocolate Tres Leches, White Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Wine Event

South of KDG Wine Dinner

• Date: February 4

• Six-course dinner with wine pairings by sommelier Steve Eudy

• Price: $75/person

• Reservations: [email protected]

The Outer Banks: A Favorite Getaway for Washington, D.C. Residents

On this day in 1790, the U.S. Supreme Court held its first session. Over two centuries later, the Outer Banks has become a popular vacation destination for those living and working in Washington, D.C. Approximately 270 miles from the nation's capital, the Outer Banks is accessible via a 4.5 to 5-hour drive, making it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or extended stays.

The appeal lies in the area's pristine beaches, charming coastal towns, and a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. For D.C. residents considering a more permanent stake in this paradise, investing in a vacation home in the Outer Banks offers both a personal retreat and potential rental income. The region's real estate market provides diverse options, from oceanfront properties to cozy inland cottages, catering to various preferences and budgets.

Owning a home here not only serves as a personal sanctuary but also as a wise investment, given the area's popularity among tourists. With the convenience of proximity and the allure of coastal living, the Outer Banks remains a top choice for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

🎉 Events & Entertainment

🎨 Art Shows

🖼️ 47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show

• Opening Reception: February 7, 6:00 PM

• Display Period: February 7–March 1, 2025

• Location: Dare Arts Center

🎭 Town of Duck Rotating Art Show

• Artist: Gretchen Hargis - "Paintings and Collages"

• Dates: January 31–April 23, 2025

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM

• Location: Town Hall, First Floor Conference Room

• Opening Reception: February 1, 3:00–5:00 PM

🎵 Music & Entertainment

🎲 Lost Colony Tavern

• 80's Music Bingo with Greg Smrdel

• Tonight at 6:30 PM

🎸 Jolly Roger Restaurant

• Saturday Night Entertainment:

  • Old Bar: Joel performing classics (6 PM)

  • New Bar: Trivia Night (6 PM)

  • DJ Styles (10 PM)

• Late-night food until midnight

• Now hiring: Karaoke DJ

💝 GEM Valentine's Party

• Date: Sunday, February 16th

• Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM

• Location: Jolly Roger Restaurant

• Featuring: The Riff Tides

• Tickets: $15 single / $25 couple

🎈 Popular Annual 2025 OBX Events

🍽️ OBX Taste of the Beach (March 28-31, 2025)

🦐 Outer Banks Seafood Festival (October 18, 2025)

_{Outer Banks Employment}

• Black Pelican Seafood Company

  • Full-time & part-time positions

  • Housing for kitchen staff

  • Benefits: PTO, health/dental/vision, 401K

  • Apply: [email protected]

• Lighthouse Bagels and Deli

  • Summer positions available

  • Housing provided (beach/work walking distance)

  • Apply: [email protected]

• Nags Head Ocean Rescue

  • Starting pay: $19/hr ($20/hr w/EMT)

  • $600 End of Season + Labor Day Bonus

  • Training provided

  • Housing assistance available: 252-489-9371

• Ride the Wind Surf Shop

  • Summer positions

  • Applications close Jan 31st

🎓 Kitty Hawk Kites – Recruitment Season

Looking for a fun summer job? Kitty Hawk Kites is hiring! Meet our team at upcoming college career fairs:

• 1/21: Old Dominion University

• 1/22: Virginia Commonwealth University

• 1/29: Appalachian State University

• 2/5: Radford University

• 2/12: East Carolina University

• 2/12: James Madison University

• 2/26: UNC-Greensboro

🌐 Apply anytime: Kitty Hawk Kites Job Listings
📧 Questions? Email [email protected]Restaurant Specials

Look for today’s specials from local Outer Banks restaurants.

Enjoy your day in the Outer Banks, whether you're savoring dark chocolate treats, anticipating the arrival of spring, or exploring the possibility of owning a piece of this coastal paradise.